About Lupinus nootkatensis Donn ex Sims
Lupinus nootkatensis, commonly known as the Nootka lupine, is a perennial plant species from the genus Lupinus in the legume family Fabaceae. It is native to North America and was introduced to Europe in the late 18th century. This plant grows up to 60 centimeters tall and produces bright bluish-purple flowers. It is common along the west coast of North America, where its natural range extends from the Aleutian Islands and Southcentral Alaska, through the Alaskan panhandle, to British Columbia. In this region, it grows along roadsides, on gravel bars, and in forest clearings. The Nootka lupine is one of the parent species used to develop garden lupine hybrids. It is valued in Britain and other North European countries for its ability to tolerate cool, wet summers. It is an aggressive self-seeding species, and can often be found growing along roadsides and in open meadows. Its long tap roots make transplanting difficult, so sowing seed directly is the recommended propagation method. Like other lupines in the pea family, Nootka lupine produces seeds in fuzzy pods that may attract children. The seeds of this lupine can be toxic. While the toxins pass through the body quickly and do not accumulate in the system, internal use of Nootka lupine seeds is not advised.
